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River Cruising

Experience the vacation of a lifetime!

The golden age of river cruising is nigh. Every major
river-cruise company is building new ships, with Viking
River Cruises topping the list at 10 this year alone. Ships
now feature more space, more suites, better dining options
and luxury hotel-style amenities. In addition, the range of
itineraries is expanding, especially on Portugal's Douro
River, Spain's Guadalquivir, numerous rivers in France, the
Hudson and Mississippi in the US, and the Irrawaddy in
Myanmar. Meanwhile, cruises along established rivers are
offering more flexible, family-friendly options, themed
tours and cruise-land combinations. Needless to say, it only
takes one river cruise to get you hooked.

River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise
ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers (though there are
ships that take only 5 passengers, and others can carry
1,000 passengers). Due to their smaller size and low draft,
river cruise ships can go where ocean cruise ships cannot,
and sometimes to where no other transport is practical:
rivers are an excellent way to reach some attractions, for
example in Russia, China and the Peruvian Amazon.

During river cruises the countryside is usually in view, so
they are especially relaxing—and interesting—to those who
prefer land nearby. River cruises usually last from 7 to 15
days, although some can last 3 weeks or longer.

Some river ships resemble 5-star hotels, with sun decks,
dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools,
casinos and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals
onboard, entertainment and special events (holidays,
festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in
the cruise price, while bar expenses, sauna, massage,
laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not.

Most cruises have a variety of onboard and onshore
activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and
cultural sites, visiting local attractions, museums and
galleries, and other points of interest. Guides give a
running commentary while sailing.